Trends in Composites Manufacturing

Melker of Sweden accomplishes sea kayak with 100% sustainable composite construction

Built with ampliTex flax fabrics, a solid cork core and plant-based resins, the company’s Värmdö kayak model highlights an environmentally conscious design for paddlers of all levels.

Grace Nehls
Senior Managing Editor, CompositesWorld

Mikrosam equips BTU Germany with single-tape AFP head for Type 5 pressure vessels

Delivery of upgraded placement head provides additional automated layup flexibility, quality control for the university’s latest projects advancing Type 4 and 5 hydrogen storage.

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Dawn Aerospace reusable rocket-powered aircraft flies twice in one day

Eighth and ninth flights of composites-intensive Mk-II Aurora reach an altitude of 63,000 feet, demonstrates same-day reusability capability for rocket-powered systems.

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ZEBRA project demonstrates closed-loop wind recycling system

Consortium partners have proven the complete recycling of thermoplastic wind turbines via two manufactured wind blades, featuring reduced operating cost, CO2 emissions.

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U.S. grant is awarded for patented SIP composites formwork system

ConTech stay-in-place (SIP) technology, made from recycled composite materials, replaces the use of reinforcing steel in the construction of flat, elevated concrete surfaces.

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CompPair, Composite Recycling create recycled fiber roof scoop for Objectif Dunes rally buggy

CompPair and Composite Recycling introduce a roof scoop made of recycled fibers to an eco-efficient rally buggy, which channels airflow to the engine for optimal, sustainable performance.

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Duplicor biocomposites to advance Netherlands housing construction

Holland Composites is developing bio-based, fire-resistant floor elements for the Aer housing concept, achieves milestone in supporting customer sustainability.

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Natilus announces Horizon blended wing body CFRP aircraft for 200-passenger narrowbody market

Following its Kona cargo aircraft with 460 pre-orders, this larger all-CFRP model responds to airlines’ request to fill Boeing and Airbus gap with 25% less weight, 40% greater capacity and 50% less carbon emissions, to enter service by early 2030s.

Ginger Gardiner
Senior Technical Editor, CompositesWorld

Kineco Exel to manufacture pultruded carbon fiber planks for Vestas

Bidding process win builds on existing multi-year contract with the global wind turbine company for the supply of spar cap components. 

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Toray obtains ABS type approval for in-situ VARTM ship repairs

American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) certifies use of jointly developed CFRP repair technique on FPSO and FSO industrial systems, addressing traditional steel restoration challenges.

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Orbital Composites wins AFWERX award for Starfighter drone fleet

Under the TACFI contract, Orbital is implementing the AMCM process to build 3D printed composite multi-mission UAS aircraft, surpassing $10 million in government awards.

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BMW, Toyota to launch FCEV with composite H2 tanks in 2028

Global automotive manufacturers are preparing for series production of FCEV passenger vehicle option based on jointly developed powertrain technology.

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Okom wrks labs works with Autodesk for mycelium-based composite commercialization

Research Residency program will further refine material properties and manufacturing processes to support the startup’s efforts of providing high-performance, regenerative biocomposite solutions.

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NREL develops biomass-derived resin PECAN for wind blades

Demonstration and findings validate PECAN as a method for developing long blades that perform well with composites, outperform some resins and enable chemical recycling.

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MingYang completes 20-MW offshore wind turbine installation

The MySE18.X-20MW, located in China, becomes the largest single-capacity offshore wind turbine on the market.

Grace Nehls
Senior Managing Editor, CompositesWorld

Jamco America partners with Airtech for 3DP tool recycling

Aerospace manufacturer joins forces with composite materials company to achieve sustainable manufacturing practices that overcome traditional composite layup tooling. 

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New GTL breakthrough in composite tubing for liquid hydrogen in aircraft and space vehicles

Tests versus stainless steel tubing show 10 times faster chill down, fuel flow in 2 seconds and less boil-off for significantly faster fueling and refueling of LH2-powered space vehicles, aircraft and trucks.

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Partners recycle A350 composite production waste into adjustable-length rods for MFFD

Herone, Spiral RTC, Teijin Carbon Europe and Collins Aerospace Almere recycle A350 thermoplastic composite clips/cleats waste into rods for the all-thermoplastic composite Multifunctional Fuselage Demonstrator’s crown.

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Rocket Lab begins installation of large AFP machine for rocket production

The 99-ton AFP machine, custom-designed and built by Electroimpact, is claimed to be the largest of its kind, expecting to save around 150,000 manufacturing hours in the Neutron rocket’s production process.

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GM's third Corvette model to feature Carbon Revolution wheels

One-piece carbon fiber wheels work around the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1’s complex load paths, exceeding GM’s weight, durability, strength and aesthetic standards.  

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Aernnova, Leonardo and AFuzion partner with Radia to build WindRunner

New aircraft is expected to deliver wind turbine blades from 105 meters up to expand the reach of wind energy and achieve global climate goals.

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SGL Carbon carbon fiber enables German road bridge milestone

A 64-meter road bridge installed with carbon fiber reinforcement is said to feature a first in modern European bridge construction, in addition to reducing construction costs and CO2 emissions.

Grace Nehls
Senior Managing Editor, CompositesWorld

Ultima Forma, Polar Technology explore electroformed coating for aerocomposites

Electro-deposited erosion protection layer will be applied to aerofoil-shaped composite components to offer improvements to future technologies such as propeller blades used in eVTOLs.

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CW finalizes Carbon Fiber 2024 program

Take part in this year’s event in Charleston, South Carolina, which annually provides attendees a comprehensive view of the carbon fiber supply chain through carefully curated presentations, exhibits and receptions.

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Airbus A321XLR receives EASA type certification

Single-aisle equipped with CFM LEAP-1A engines is meant to bring long-range flight opportunities to customers. Entry into service starts at the end of summer 2024.

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EOLIAN kicks off bio-based wind blade development

EU project will develop bio-based, repairable and recyclable vitrimer composites and advanced sensors for highly reliable, sustainable wind blades. 

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Duplicor biocomposite cladding aids redevelopment of ABN AMRO office building in Amsterdam

Chosen for low CO2 footprint, RC value >9, fire resistance, light weight and high strength, Duplicor façade structures are key to two-story extension.

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NASCAR unveils BEV prototype featuring natural fiber bodywork

Implementation of Bcomp technical flax fibers in a U.S. motorsport first represents NASCAR’s step toward more sustainable competition vehicles.

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